On Sunday, I took the girl to Ottawa with my parents for the day. It’s about a 2 hour drive each way, maybe 2 hours and 45 minutes, when you factor in gas and Tim Horton stops.
I took her for a couple of reasons. During the winter, I took her brother to Toronto for the weekend, and promised that next time I’d take her somewhere. I’m also taking her brother on a road trip next month, so I knew I’d have to act fast.
One day last week, in the car on the way home from daycare, I said, “On Sunday, I’m taking your sister to Ottawa for the day.”
“I want to come.”
“Sweetheart, do you remember when I took you to Toronto? We agreed that next time I’d take your sister somewhere?”
“Yes.” Beat. “But that was soooo long ago.”
“Next time I’ll take you away.”
“Where? To Ottawa?”
“No, to State College. We’re going to visit your uncle.”
“I want to go.”
“No, little girl. You’re coming with me to Ottawa, you’re brother is coming to State College.”
“Why?”
“Because we go with Bubby and Grandpa, and there’s only room for 4 in the car.”
“Why?”
“Because Ottawa is a 1 day trip, and State College is a 5 day trip. If you want to go on a 5 day trip, you have to stop crying, and you have to be out of diapers.”
Silence.
“Jojo? Jojo? I’m going to Ottawa.”
The trip was okay. She’s much better in the car than she used to be. It’s funny how I can see in little increments how she’s maturing. She doesn’t cry at the doctor’s office any more, she’s more comfortable with people she doesn’t see very often, and she was much more manageable in the car.
But it wasn’t ideal.
We spent about 51/2 hours on the road for a 3 1/2 hour stay in Ottawa. It was hot, the Tulip Festival lacked tulips(!) and the girl was tired. She refused to nap and required constant attention in the car. All in all, it was pretty exhausting.
But I want to stress that she was much better than she used to be. Just not good enough that I’d take her on an 11 hour road trip. We have a great time picking out shoes and clothes at the mall and having a leisurely lunch, why subject us both to 5 days of torture?
I can only imagine how she’d deal with the hotel rooms. Omfg.
But she was a trooper. So I was a little surprised when we got home and she just wasn’t interested in her dinner. Tortellini!! Her favourite!!
No go.
It was only when I was putting her to bed that I felt the fever come on. It started in her forehead and moved down her body. But that’s a whole other story, and I haven’t written a post for Friday yet, so…
Enjoy.
I love the picture where I have he arm around her and she has her arm around her baby. I also love the one of her rolling down the hill and also the one of her with her baby and purse looking out the window of the car. Great shots!
Those are wonderful pictures. We look forward to her maturing and getting a chance to know her better in the future but right now she is by far the cutest little girl I know. Just because I am her Aunt has NOTHING to do with it. You know how honest I am. *L* We are looking forward to seeing you all next month. We even have a playmate lined up for the boy at the cookout. Another 4 year old little boy who is pretty darn cute too. He is WAY into planes.
She is SO delicious. You’ll have to come for a visit. 11 hours in the car with her would age the parental units exponentially. Not to mention they’d have to cope with the mess from where I blew a hole in my head…